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Six Young Children Targeted In Tameside Arson Attack

A father and his six children are targeted in an arson attack in Tameside.

It happened at their home on Besom Lane, Millbrook, Tameside, at about 11.30pm on Saturday 3 September 2011.

The man 31, was sat in his living room with his six children, aged between 11 and two-years-old, upstairs in bed. He heard a knock at the door and when he opened it found a small fire. He then quickly closed the door and called the emergency services.

The Fire Service attended but the fire had burnt itself out before they arrived. However, officers confirmed an accelerant was used to start the blaze.

Police are now investigating and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Redford said: "We do not know why this family was targeted, because they have no issues with anyone and have never previously experienced anything that would explain why their home was attacked.

"We are therefore looking at whether this was a case of mistaken identity.

"However, make no mistake that whatever the reason, what we are dealing with here is an arson attack on a home where six young children were asleep. Everyone has read about the tragic consequences that can happen when people mess around with fire, and it is by luck not judgment that this family were not injured.

"I am therefore appealing to anyone in the community who might know what happened to come forward.If you do have any information, or suspect who might be involved, we need to hear from you because the culprits need to realise the severity of what they have done.

"If you want, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."